Hidesign President critical of Indian labour laws

India

Published: 23 February, 2015

Dilip Kapur, President of Indian leather products maker and retailer, Hidesign says he thinks the new government has its heart at the right places and the first changes should happen soon. However, "the political landscapes and organised unions are solidly entrenched. After 60 years of socialism, significant changes will surely take a few more years."

Kapur’s comments have been printed prior to the announcement of a new budget for India to be announced by the Modi government this week.

"Leather goods manufacture is a labour intensive industry. The horrendous labour laws in India provide zero flexibility to expand and contract when necessary", says Kapur. "That is the biggest reason why no large leather goods companies are coming up to the country", he says in an article with India’s First Post. "We hope Prime Minister Modi will make major changes to labour laws to enable us to ensure a large and efficient work environment."

"If a Goods and Services Tax comes through, it would make our life much easier. It’s difficult trying to navigate all the different state laws."